The Steelers have a rich recent history of acing the draft, but unlike many teams, their success isn’t based on immediate results from rookies. They have had the luxury of grooming them behind established strong starters for a couple of years. So, instead of needing to overpay veterans when the time comes, those next in line are ready to come through.

But that’s no longer a strategy the Steelers can employ.

The past two seasons they’ve fallen behind the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North pecking order. Both those teams have gotten immediate contributions from younger players to get where they are as playoff teams.

By no means is Pittsburgh in rebuilding mode, but as it has kept certain centerpieces around—see Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu—it has advanced its youth movement. Center Maurkice Pouncey was the first rookie first-round pick to start for the Steelers since tight end Heath Miller in 2005.

After an outstanding draft in 2013, this time around the Steelers’ top three picks are critical to the upcoming season.

Consider they parted ways with one-time defensive player of the year James Harrison, former feature running back Rashard Mendenhall and elite speed receiver Mike Wallace. The players they took 1-2-3 in April reflects just how quickly they wanted to replace those familiar names.

First-round outside linebacker Jarvis Jones has a chance to start on the edge for the Steelers, and if not, will be involved as more than just a third-down rusher. Jones showed great suddenness and burst while getting into some 3-4 concepts while at Georgia. He slid because of concerns about his all-around game and effort, but the Steelers’ scheme is built to get the most out of his energy.

Second-round running back Le’Veon Bell is tabbed to carry the load between the tackles as a no-nonsense runner, something coach Mike Tomlin has wanted for a while. The Steelers’ backfield has been riddled with injuries, leading to inconsistent, uninspiring committees. The beauty of Bell, a workhorse at Michigan State, is that he can handle both the power and third-down roles at a high volume and give them the steadiness they have been missing.

Third-round wide receiver Markus Wheaton, despite having the same initials, isn’t quite ready to step into being what Wallace was as a top-flight starter. That’s OK, because Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders form a gifted route-running starting pair who can also work the slot well. That will leave opportunities for Wheaton to use his speed outside in three- and four-wide sets. That kind of receiver has been a staple for the big-armed, time-buying Roethlisberger.

There’s another young Steeler who should be mentioned here: right guard David DeCastro. DeCastro was their first-rounder in 2012, but he’s much more like a rookie after playing only three games late last season coming off a torn MCL. The Steelers expect DeCastro to team with Pouncey to facilitate the power game for Bell.

The Steelers may have preferred to stick with the waiting game, but they were smart to realize it was time for them to play catch up with the rest of the division. Given how good their eye for talent is, playing their rookies is bound to come with a good payoff.